Jets Offensive Game Plan: The Texans are not strong against the run, and were in the bottom third in all rushing defensive categories last season. Brian Schottenheimer and the rest of the Jets offensive coaching staff should be licking their chops thinking about their running game against the Texans front seven. Thomas Jones and Leon Washington should combine for 40 touches this Sunday, the closer they get to that number the more likely the Jets are to win. If the Jets are running the ball effectively and utilizing Jones/Washington in the short passing game, they will be keeping the dangerous Texans offense off the field and protecting their rookie quarterback.

Expect the Jets to come out fairly conservative in the first half, although I wouldn’t be shocked to see them try to catch Houston off guard by taking an early shot with David Clowney or Dustin Keller down the seam. However, for the most part expect alot of runs, screens, and short hitches/slants to Keller and Jerricho Cotchery. The Jets will want to get Sanchez going with easy completions, although I think they may elect to run the ball in some 3rd and long situations early in the game, similar to how they did against Baltimore in the pre-season.

To recap, expect a heavy, heavy dose of Thomas Jones and Leon Washington and a predominantly short, quick release passing attack. Although, don’t be surprised to see the Jets look to go up top at some point in the first quarter when the Texans overload the box. When David Clowney comes in the game, obviously all eyes will be on him going deep so the Jets might have to hit him with a curl or comeback first or look to get Cotchery or Brad Smith on a go route.

Jets Defensive Game Plan: The Texans have a dangerous offense, led by a strong pocket passer in Matt Schaub, a game breaking receiver in Andre Johnson, a Leon Washington clone in Steve Slaton, a pro-bowl tight (Owen Daniels) and a quality possession receiver (Kevin Walter). How do the Jets stop all of that? Well, the Jets aren’t half bad on defense themselves even without Calvin Pace and Shaun Ellis. I expect the Jets to come after Schaub early and often and test his bum ankle. Rex Ryan won’t be scared to leave Darrelle Revis one on one in coverage with Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter one on one with Lito Sheppard. Kerry Rhodes and David Harris both should be alright against Daniels at the tight end spot. In terms of Slaton, the Jets simply have to tackle. They can’t overload the box, miss a tackle and let him get in the open field because he will be gone.

I am concerned because the Texans are a big play offense and the Jets gave up a ton of big plays in the pre-season. I think Revis will hold his own against Johnson. The guy will get his catches but I don’t think he will kill the Jets with a big play or have one of his normal 8 catch, 130 yard, 2 TD performances. Keep an eye on Kevin Walter because honestly Lito Sheppard hasn’t looked good, and I’m sure the Texans will be looking to exploit that match-up.

The key for the Jets will be to prevent the big play. They need to make the Texans put together long drives to score points, and look to eventually create turnovers. Houston will get their yards but if the Jets can grab an interception and force a fumble, and hold the Texans to field goals instead of touchdowns, they have a great chance of coming out on top.

Special Teams Breakdown: Both teams have solid kickers. Obviously, you have to be concerned about the Jets punting situation but hopefully Steve Weatherford can be halfway decent and not kill the Jets with any shanks. Leon Washington and Jacoby Jones are both dangerous kick returners, and don’t forget about Jim Leonhard and Andre Davis as punt returners. Both teams have players who can change the entire dynamic of the game on their special teams units.

The Jets Will Win If…Mark Sanchez plays beyond his years, managing to take a couple of shots down the field to keep the defense honest but avoiding any costly turnovers. Darrelle Revis contains Andre Johnson and the Jets don’t let Steve Slaton get in the open field. Thomas Jones and Leon Washington combine for 40 touches, letting the Jets dominate the time of possession, keeping the dangerous Texans offense on the side-line.

The Jets Will Lose If…The Jets defense allows the big play, letting Steve Slaton or Andre Johnson score a touchdown of 30 yards or more. Johnson beats Revis up and down the field, racking up yet another 100 yard game. Mark Sanchez tries to do too much and throws a costly interception in a big spot. Thomas Jones can’t get going in the running game and Leon Washington has less than 10 touches on offense.

First Time Starters For the Jets:

Mark Sanchez, Quarterback – The rookie needs to manage the game but if the Texans load up the box, he has to make them pay over the top.

Chansi Stuckey, Receiver – Keep an eye on him on third downs, when he slides into the slot.

Mike DeVito/Sione Pouha – Filling in for Shaun Ellis, these guys need to support Kris Jenkins up front and apply pressure on Matt Schaub.

Vernon Gholston – Expect the Texans to run at him early and often. Hopefully his bench press can translate to the field.

Tomorrow, check back for the first episode of “Turn on the Jets TV” where I will make by prediction for the Jets game and the rest of the NFL Games this weekend, along with some fantasy observations.

1. The Jets first injury report today had Mike DeVito listed as limited, although he is still expected to play. There are some rumblings that Sione Pouha will start at defensive end and that DeVito will rotate in off the bench but that remains to be seen. Kellen Clemens, Bryan Thomas, Wallace Wright, and Shonn Grenne were also listed on the injury report but all participated in the full practice today.

2. The Sporting News came up with a list of the top 100 players in the NFL: three Jets made it on the list, with Alan Faneca coming in at #34, Kris Jenkins #69, and Darrelle Revis at #98. No, Nick Mangold? I was a little surprised by that.

3. Brett Favre said some garbage today about being hurt towards the end of last season and a belief that he probably should have sat because his arm hurt so much. Yea, I’m sure Favre was just begging to be taken out when the Jets were 8-4 or 8-5. I really hope Cleveland and Minnesota end up in a 0-0 tie this weekend, with Favre throwing 4 INT’s, I’m not really interested in seeing him or Mangini win.

4. A little heads up that I will be making an appearance on The Fantasy Buffet at www.fanball.com at 11:15 AM on Friday to preview the Jets/Texans game.

Jets vs. Texans: Key-Match Ups

Tomorrow check back for an excessively comprehensive breakdown of the Jets/Texans game and then again on Friday for my prediction, today I am going to focus on the key individual match-ups for this Sunday’s game.

Darrelle Revis vs. Andre Johnson: Everybody knows Andre Johnson is one of the three best receivers in the NFL, if not arguably the best overall one. Few people respect Darrelle Revis as one the league’s top 3-5 cornerbacks, but make no mistake, he is. Johnson is the type of player who can change a game on any given play, having the ability to score from any place on the field which only increases the pressure on Revis. With Rex Ryan’s aggressive style, I don’t know how much help Revis will have over the top. As long as he can keep Johnson in front of him and prevent him from killing the Jets with the big play, he will have done his job.

D’Brickashaw Ferguson/Damien Woody vs. Mario Williams – Ferguson and Williams is a battle of former top 5 picks in the 2006 draft, so it will grab more headlines but I am worried about Woody struggling with a speed rusher like Williams. Despite having a solid season in 2008, Woody is still a former interior lineman who sometimes struggles against the pass rush. I think Ferguson has the feet to handle Williams and will be able to protect Sanchez adequately. Don’t be surprised to see the Jets chip Williams occasionally with a back or tight end. The last thing they need is Sanchez getting pounded into the turf or running for his life all day on Sunday.

Leon Washington vs. DeMeco Ryans – Ryans is a lethal combination of speed and talent at the middle linebacker position, while Leon Washington is one of the hardest people to tackle in the NFL in the open field. When the Jets drop off a screen to Washington or send him on a wheel route out of the backfield, it will be up to Ryans to prevent him from creating a big play.

Lito Sheppard vs. Kevin Walter – The Texans aren’t going to stop throwing to Andre Johnson because Darrelle Revis is on him but they will certainly be throwing a ton of balls to Walter, an 8 touchdown 900 yard receiver, against Sheppard who struggled all pre-season. Lito is in desperate need of a strong performance to calm everybody’s nerves about him opposite Revis. Walter has good size and is frequently targeted around the red-zone, Sheppard has good hands and can make big plays but also has been a penalty machine this pre-season and been beat often.

1. Well you don’t have to worry about the Jets being jinxed by pre-season expectations. They were the consensus pick to finish in last place by all of ESPN’s “experts” and are also currently ranked #23 in their NFL Power Rankings, behind the Seahawks, 49ers, Bills, Redskins, and Texans. But, hey that’s why they play the game right?

2. The Jets added Danny Woodhead to their practice squad today and released Jehuu Caulcrick off it.

3. On the active roster, the Jets signed linebacker Ryan Fowler who played for the Titans the past few seasons, including starting 16 games for them 2 years ago and released fullback Jason Davis.

4. Mike DeVito didn’t practice today but is still expected to go on Sunday, as well is Shonn Greene who is recovering from a variety of injuries. Sione Pouha ran with the first team in practice today, with Kris Jenkins sliding out to defensive end for some looks when paired with Pouha.

Jets vs. Texans: First Look

The Opponent: The Houston Texans have been 8-8 the past two seasons, and are a trendy pick to take the step to the next level in 2009 and become a legitimate playoff contender. Their offense is expected to be one of the NFL’s best but they have a ton of question marks on defense, making them the complete opposite of the Jets who have the reverse problem. Over the past two seasons, the Texans are 12-4 at home and have generally been difficult to beat in their building since coming into the league. The latest lines I saw have them as 4-5 point favorites over the Jets. Regardless, the Jets must get this game. They don’t want to be heading home to play the Pats and Titans, teams with a combined record of 24-6 last year, as a 0-1 team.

Key Players: Matt Schaub is a dangerous quarterback when he is healthy. He has a strong arm and can get the ball down the field. Andre Johnson is arguably the best receiver in football. Kevin Walter is an underrated player and a very good number two option, who caught more touchdowns than anyone on the Jets last year. Owen Daniels is a pro-bowl tight end. Steve Slaton is an explosive player, who averaged almost 5 yards per carry last season, although he did lose 3 fumbles. DeMeco Ryans is one of the best linebackers in football. Mario Williams is a top flight pass rusher. Houston coaches have been raving about rookie Brian Cushing at outside linebacker.

Jets Injury Concerns: Mike DeVito is a little banged up but expected to start for Shaun Ellis (suspension) and rotate defensive line reps with Sione Pouha, Marques Douglas, and Kris Jenkins. Shonn Greene is nursing sore ribs and a sore hamstring but should be active as the #3 RB. Backup quarterback Kellen Clemens has a sore elbow, but will be the #2 QB on Sunday.

Early Story Lines: Rex Ryan’s first game as a Head Coach…rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez’s first start…Darrelle Revis vs Andre Johnson…Texans look to justify pre-season expectations…expected great defense (Jets) vs expected great offense (Texans).

I am also going to be deleting the TOJ of Hall Fame soon (tragic, I know) and be replacing it with “2009 Jets Stats,” which will be updated the stats throughout the season for all the players. Of course, the “Jets Game Highlights” section will also be updated each week with the new clips and the depth chart will always be changed accordingly.

1. The Jets waived punter AJ Trapasso after picking him up yesterday and signed former Jaguars punter Steve Weatherford. It is now becoming a daily part of my day to read about the Jets changing punters: get up, eat breakfast, go to class, read about the Jets new punter, and so on…

2. I think the Yankees might win the AL East by 12-15 games this season.

3. The rumors continue to swirl about the Jets adding a receiver, thanks mostly to a twitter by Kerry Rhodes about some type of big announcement coming for the Jets. Most people are reporting that Brandon Marshall is out of the question at this point but the Jets are continuing look at other team’s rosters. I am not sure who they can add right now besides Marshall, that would be such a huge upgrade over Chansi Stuckey or David Clowney.

4. So my old piece of crap I-Pod broke a few weeks ago, leaving me i-pod less. But how about this? My girlfriend and I were taking a cab back to Grand Central Station on Friday and what do I find in the cab? A brand new I-Pod, one that holds 5000 songs compared to my old one which only held 1000 songs. Even better, it is a nice shade of Jets green…now if that isn’t a good omen for this season than I don’t know what is. It is also helped me feel better about spending 11 dollars per drink in NYC, when I currently have no source of income. In about 3 weeks, I will be eating all my meals off the Taco Bell dollar menu.

Tomorrow, I will start coverage of the Jets week one match-up against the Houston Texans but today is the perfect day to make my 2009 NFL Predictions, starting with 40 (I don’t know, the number just came to me) about our New York Jets.

1. David Harris will lead the Jets in sacks this season with 9. Calvin Pace will come in second despite missing the first four games, finishing with 7.5.

2. Vernon Gholston will be somewhere between slightly below average and okay during the first four games. He will begin to play better as a situational player when the season progresses, finishing with 5.5 sacks.

3. Lito Sheppard will give up alot of plays but also make alot of plays, because of all the balls that will be thrown his way. He will start 16 games and lead the team in interceptions.

4. Darrelle Revis will be returning Hawaii. He will prove to be a top 3 CB in the NFL this season.

5. Howard Green will be an extremely valuable player off the bench on the Jets defensive line, providing a quality backup to Kris Jenkins.

6. Kerry Rhodes will have a much better year than he did last season but still won’t produce at his 2006 statistical level and won’t be a pro-bowler.

7. Jim Leonhard will be a steady, consistent player on the Jets defense but his most important contributions will be as a punt returner.

8. The Jets will sweep the Miami Dolphins this season.

9. Thomas Jones won’t match last year’s gaudy numbers but will still finish with a solid 1175 yards and 8 rushing touchdowns.

10. Leon Washington will have at least 50 more carries this season than he did in 2008, along with 10 more catches.

11. Leon Washington will have 1100 combined rushing/receiving yards. He had 800 last year.

12. Leon Washington will have 2 kick return touchdowns this season. Jim Leonhard will take one punt back.

13. Leon Washington will have a better season than Reggie Bush (sorry, Dan).

14. Shonn Greene will start out the season slow but become an important part of the offense in the second half of the season.

15. Bryan Thomas will very quietly have his best season since 2006, finishing with 67 tackles and 6.5 sacks.

23. Mark Sanchez’s stats will look very similar to Joe Flacco’s last season. The Jets high paid rookie will finish with 15 TD’s, 11 INT’s, 2980 yards passing, and a 62.0 completion percentage.

24. David Clowney will catch at least 2 touchdowns of 40 yards or more.

25. Chansi Stuckey won’t have stats that will impress anybody because of his low yards per catch average, but will be a valuable 3rd down weapon for the Jets.

26. The Jets defense will give up more big plays than expected but will have more sacks, interceptions, and defensive touchdowns than in 2008.

27. Despite having a better backup than he did last year, Kris Jenkins will start out slow because of missing most of the pre-season and will start 14 games this year, not the full 16.

28. Brian Schottenheimer will be extremely conservative the first 5-6 games of this season, frustrating fans. However, as Sanchez gets more comfortable the Jets offense will begin to resemble its 2006 form.

29. Steve Weatherford won’t finish the season as the Jets punter….will he even finish this article as the Jets punter?

30. The Jets will split with the Buffalo Bills this season.

31. Bart Scott will be a quality player and bring a nasty attitude to the Jets defense but he will be outplayed by David Harris at inside linebacker.

32. Thomas Jones will catch another 30 passes this season.

33. Mark Sanchez’s inexperience will cost the Jets a couple of winnable games in the first half of the season. His talent level and growing comfort in the offense, will steal them a late season game they shouldn’t win.

34. The Jets will enter their week 9 bye as a 4-4 team and not be considered a serious playoff contender.

35. Similar to the 2006 team, they will rally to a 6-2 finish and end up as a 10-6 wild card team.

36. They will either upset the Colts or Pats on the road in the second half of the season, not both. Their other second half loss will be at home to Atlanta…so yes, I am saying they win in Buffalo (aka Toronto), Tampa, and take care of the Panthers at home in the second half of the season.

No time for non-football updates, on what has been a suprisingly active Sunday for the Jets:

1. The Jets have acquired former New England backup quarterback Kevin O’Connell from the Detroit Lions for an undisclosed draft pick (likely a conditional 6th or 7throunder). Regardless, both Dave Hutchinson and Rich Ciminihave confirmed that Kellen Clemens isn’t going anywhere and will remain the #2 quarterback for now. Why did the Jets make this move? Apparently the front office has always been high on O’Connell and wanted to jump at the chance to get him on the roster. Kellen Clemens is going to be gone after this season and they want somebody to battle it out with Erik Ainge for the #2 spot behind Mark Sanchez in 2010. In terms of this season, the Jets won’t carry four quarterbacks on their active roster, as Hutchinson smartly points out expect either Ainge or O’Connell to pick up a phantom injury and end up on injured reserve for 2009.

2. The Jets have also been working the waiver wire, today they acquired punter AJ Trapasso from the Tennessee Titans. Bye, Bye Reggie Hodges. Trapasso executed a fake punt for touchdown in the Hall of Fame Game this season and also boomed one off the Cowboys new scoreboard. They also picked up tight end Matthew Mulligan from the Titans, who is regarded primarily as a blocking tight end. He is a second year player from Maine, who is 6’5 270 pounds. In the pre-season he recorded 3 catches for 40 yards and a touchdown. Finally, they picked up fullback Jason Davis, who is a fourth year player that has primarily been with the Chicago Bears. Last year in Chicago, he started three games, had a rushing attempt and a reception for 12 yards.

3. Since the Jets have now added four players (O’Connell, Trapasso, Mulligan, Davis) they released running back Danny Woodhead, tackle Michael Kracalik, punter Reggie Hodges, and linebacker Brandon Renkart.

Just got back from section 103 at Giants Stadium (which didn’t compare to my normal home in 313) where I watched an impressive pre-season finale played mostly by the Jets backups. Why am I ‘effin pumped up right now? Here are my notes from the game:

1. First in the non-football category: Ari from Entourage was at the game, in a few sections over from me with a smoking hot blonde…good for him but I don’t think A-List celebrities go to fourth pre-season games. I guess his latest movie didn’t do all that well. While we are on the topic of females, is there anything better than an attractive girl in one of those tight fitting Jets jerseys with a pair of white shorts on? I don’t think so. I only comment on this because tonight was the type of game you bring your girlfriend to (mine couldn’t make it) or let your sister and her friends take the tickets, so there was an unusually high amount of female fans, many in the previously mentioned outfit…good stuff.

2. On to football, I know it was against the Eagles second team but Mark Sanchez looked pretty damn good tonight. He was throwing bullets out there, especially on his 27 yard connection to Dustin Keller down the seam (fantasy points!) and his touchdown pass to Jerricho Cotchery. It looks like he is developing a nice rhythm with both Cotchery and Keller, which is important since they are the Jets top two receivers. Let’s see how the rookie does when it counts in 9 days…yes, just 9 days.

3. Who can cover the Clown? Certainly nobody’s backups can….David Clowney had another one of his typical pre-season nights at the office: 2 catches, 103 yards and a touchdown. I really think this guy is going to hit a few huge plays for the Jets this season. He may only catch 20 or so passes, but they could be big ones.

4. Danny Woodhead played himself to at least a spot on the Jets practice squad. The tiny back burst out for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns…not bad at all. I still doubt he makes the final 53, because where does he fit? The Jets already have a player just like him, named Leon Washington and I think Aundrae Allison is going to make the team as an alternate kick/punt returner, along with adding depth to the receiving core.

5. Just watching the Jets in person today, I love the attitude of this team. I remember the season finale last year against the Dolphins…watching Miami come storming out of the tunnel, going crazy…you knew they wanted it more than the Jets, who just jogged out and around the field in pre-game looking like their vacation plans were on their mind…probably because Brett Favre had just given the worst pre-game speech ever. Tonight, when Danny Woodhead scored Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, and a ton of other starters sprinted down into the end-zone from the sideline to maul him. When Dwight Lowery ripped off a big punt return, Darrelle Revis and the rest of the defense was going crazy for him on the sideline and for the official to throw a flag for a horse collar penalty. After every successful offensive and defensive series, Mark Sanchez was 10 yards out on the field giving everybody a high five and slap on the helmet. This team has the right swagger, leadership, and chemistry to be dangerous.

6. Vernon Gholston looked pretty good tonight, he had a sack and seemed to know what he was doing on defense. Let’s see how he looks against Matt Schaub, Steve Slaton, Owen Daniels, and Andre Johnson next week though….Howard Green has had one hell of a pre-season…Jack Simmons can’t catch a cold…Either can Britt Davis…Jay Feely looks sharp…Reggie Hodges looks like he is going to be a problem…Dwight Lowery had a strong night.

7. The pre-season is over…thank god. In one week the regular season kicks off and a week from this Sunday at 1 PM, the 2009 Jets season starts in Houston and I can’t ‘effin wait man.

8. So what’s on the horizon here at TurnOnTheJets.com? Over the next few days, expect a breakdown of the final 53 man roster and the cuts the Jets decide to make…bold season predictions for the Jets and the rest of the NFL…my first game week coverage, whose schedule hasn’t been set in stone yet, although I am anticipating every Friday posting a video where I will make my weekend predictions instead of an article, we’ll see how the A/V staff is doing.

9. This Saturday: Muhlenberg at Wilkes: Go Mules. I’ll be there…cause yea I got nothing better to do on a Saturday except root for my alma mater.

1. The Jets signed veteran tight end Ben Hartsock today, after he was cut by the Atlanta Falcons to a one year, 1.275 million dollar contract. Over the past five seasons, Hartsock has played with the Colts, Titans, and Falcons andcollected 27 catches for 273 yards. Guess what that makes him? Easily, the second best tight endon the Jets roster. He will lstep right into the #2 spot on the Jets depth chart and serve as a the blocking tight end they desperately needed. This likely means that either Jack Simmons or Kareem Brown will not be making the final roster, my money would be on the Jets keeping Brown and stashing Simmons on the practice squad.

2. The Jets released punter Glen Pakulak…he had a distinguished 5 day career with the Jets. I guess it looks like Reggie Hodges is going to be the guy. Obviously, the position still remains an issue for the Jets but hopefully Hodges can show progress tomorrow night against the Eagles. Don’t underestimate the importance of punting on a team that is built like the Jets, who will try to win with defense, field position, and their running game.

3. Guess what was debated on NFL Live today? Who would you rather have on your team, Leon Washington or Reggie Bush? Showing some intelligence, Marcellus Wiley and Mark Schlereth both picked #29. If you want a better version of that debate, please look over these past articles from TurnOnTheJets.com, where I shredded my good friend Dan to pieces: http://turnonthejets.com/2009/07/05/jets-end-of-the-weekend-ramblings/ ….By the way, hasn’t Bush been hurt this pre-season?

4. Interesting that the Jets placed a waiver claim on Kevin O’Connell after the Pats released him, leaving their offense in the hands of Andrew Walter if Tom Brady’s knee doesn’t hold up. I think the Jets would have stashed O’Connell on the practice squad and let him compete with Erik Ainge for the backup spot next year after Kellen Clemens isn’t re-signed.

5. Rodney Harrison made some comments today about Rex Ryan comments on New England throughout the pre-season, I couldn’t hear exactly what he said over the sound of him taking performance enhancing drugs, taking cheap shots on everybody around him, and not breaking that Eli Manning to David Tyree pass…NBC will hire anybody these days.

Brandon Marshall For David Harris? No, Thank You…

The big news of the day has been the Jets reported interest in disgruntled, petulant receiver Brandon Marshall. In response, Denver has threatened tampering charges, which of course will never stick and then went on record to say they want Jets linebacker David Harris in any deal involving Marshall. Now you may think, I was a wide receiver, I love wide receivers, who doesn’t want an exciting playmaker on offense like Marshall…I can tell you that I don’t. The Jets would be crazy to trade David Harris in any deal for Brandon Marshall. Why?

1. Who steps in for Harris at inside linebacker in the Jets 3-4? Kenwin Cummings? Jamaal Westerman? I like Westerman but the guy is a rookie undrafted free agent and you are going to start him week one? All of the sudden the Jets would have a question mark in their middle of their defense, and if you have a question mark in the middle of your defense, you aren’t going to be a great defense like the Jets need to be this year in order to make the playoffs.

2. Have you watched Harris play this pre-season? The guy was built for Rex Ryan’s defense. He has been all over the field, recording multiple sacks, making a ton of tackles and intercepting a pass last week. Harris has easily outplayed Bart Scott this pre-season and let’s not forget Scott is an older player, and Harris is only entering his third season.

3. Let’s not be mistaken, Brandon Marshall is a beast on offense when healthy. Yet, he has recently had hip surgery and has missed the entire pre-season with a hamstring injury. How good of shape could he be in right now? He would also already be way behind in picking up the Jets offense and developing any type of chemistry with Mark Sanchez. Marshall also has a history of off the field issues, while Harris has been a model citizen for the Jets. It sends the wrong message and let’s be honest, you think Rex Ryan is trading away his 3rd year stud middle linebacker for a prima-donna wide receiver? I don’t think so…

4. The only deal I would make for Marshall is a trade that doesn’t cost a first round pick or a player like Harris. A second and seventh round pick? I can do that. A third round pick and Chansi Stuckey? I can do that. They want Dwight Lowery, David Clowney, or Brad Smith with a 2nd or 3rd round pick, they can have them for Marshall but no first round pick, no David Harris.

1. I am not one for bragging, but I am proud to announce that TurnOnTheJets.com was awarded the August Blog of the Month Award by the Fanball Network…and yes I am excited. A big thank you to anybody who takes the time to visit the site, all support is greatly appreciated.

2. I got front row tickets to the Jets pre-season game on Thursday…not exactly Jets at New England in the regular season (I got tickets to those too, but in my normal 313 seats which is just fine with me), needless to say I am excited to watch Erik Ainge throw passes to Britt Davis and Marcus Henry, while Danny Woodhead gets 15 carries. However, it should be fun to watch Michael Vick run around a little bit and see if the Jets linebackers can contain him.

3. 9 days until the NFL regular season opens…

Jets Receivers: Enough to Win With?

Despite the regular season starting a little over a week from today, many people are still expecting the Jets to add a veteran to their receiving core. I got news for you, the cavalry isn’t coming. The guys the Jets have right now is the guys they will attempt to win with in 2009, and I think they may just be enough. On offense, the Jets passing game will run through a variety of players, focused primarily on Jerricho Cotchery, Dustin Keller, and Leon Washington with a committee of receivers battling for reps across the formation from Cotchery. Here is how I see the Jets pass catchers breaking down this season.

1. Jerricho Cotchery – The Jets unquestioned number one receiver should lead the team in catches, hauling in somewhere between 70-80. Brian Schottenheimer will move him around the formation in attempt to get him in single coverage. Cotchery is the type of player who will mix in a few big games, with a few games where you barely notice him on the field. On average, J-Co can give you 4-5 catches for 60-65 yards. Hopefully he will find a way to become a better red-zone receiver in 2009.

2. Dustin Keller – Think of Keller as the Jets #2 receiver. The second year tight end should be in the 60-65 catch range this season. He is an extremely difficult match-up for opposing defenses and will be line up at the traditional tight end spot, H-Back, slot receiver, and split end. Keller should be the Jets primary red-zone target because of his size and leaping ability. A young quarterback’s best friend is a reliable, pass-catching tight end which is one of the many reasons I think Keller can have a pro-bowl caliber 2009 season.

3. Leon Washington – Last year #29 had 76 carries and 47 receptions, expect both those numbers to have an increase this season. While I expect to see Washington approach the 150 carry total, his reception number should be in the 55-60 range. He will frequently be targeted on screens and check downs. Occasionally, the Jets will send him down the field on a wheel route out of the backfield (see Ravens pre-season game) or split him out and throw him a screen pass on the outside.

4. Chansi Stuckey – Stuckey will be the first receiver on the field opposite Jerricho Cotchery but is still part of committee and lower on the pass-catching option list than Keller and Washington. I expect to see Stuckey catch around 50 passes in an expanded role this season, after finishing with 32 in 2008. He should be one the Jets primary targets on third downs throughout the entire season and is a threat to run after the catch.

5. Thomas Jones – Don’t forget that Jones caught 36 passes last year and should be around that number again this season. He has pretty good hands and is always a solid option on screens and check downs. If the Jets put Jones and Washington in the same backfield, they could use the extra attention given to Washington to catch the defense sleeping on Jones out of the backfield as a pass catcher.

6. David Clowney – I would love for him to be what Dedric Ward was for the Jets in 1998. In that season he only had 24 catches but they went for 477 yards and 4 touchdowns. Can Clowney be that type of deep threat for the Jets in 2009? I sure hope so.

Speaking of 1998, Were We Really This Close to the Super Bowl? Enjoy Blake Spence Blocking a Punt and a Curtis Martin Touchdown in the 1998 AFC Championship Game: